In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions break down what it truly takes to retire before age 60 — and why it’s more about planning and discipline than luck or extreme investing.

Jim and Casey discuss the key building blocks of early retirement, including savings rates, tax strategy, healthcare planning, income flexibility, and lifestyle design. They also address common misconceptions about retiring early, the trade-offs involved, and how to build a plan that supports long-term sustainability rather than short-term freedom.

Whether early retirement is a firm goal or simply a possibility you want to keep open, this episode provides a realistic framework to help you decide if retiring before 60 is achievable — and what steps to take next.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: Why retiring before 60 appeals to so many people 01:38 – What “retiring before 60” really means 03:06 – The biggest misconceptions about early retirement 05:02 – Savings rate vs. rate of return 06:58 – Tax strategy and account positioning 08:56 – Healthcare planning before Medicare 10:48 – Income flexibility and withdrawal planning 12:42 – Lifestyle expectations and trade-offs 14:28 – How early retirement changes risk management 16:16 – Common mistakes early retirees make 18:06 – Key questions to ask if early retirement is your goal 20:01 – Final thoughts and encouragement

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions discuss the growing reality many families face: supporting aging parents while protecting your own retirement plan.

Jim and Casey walk through the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges that arise when parents begin needing help. They cover how to start difficult conversations, understand care options, coordinate finances, and avoid common mistakes that can strain relationships and derail long-term plans. The conversation offers practical guidance for navigating caregiving responsibilities with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: When caring for parents becomes part of your plan 02:02 – Why more families are facing caregiving decisions 03:34 – The emotional impact of helping aging parents 05:22 – Starting the conversation with Mom & Dad 07:14 – Understanding care options: in-home, assisted living, and beyond 09:26 – Financial considerations families often overlook 11:42 – Coordinating siblings and shared responsibilities 13:58 – How caregiving can affect your own retirement goals 16:04 – Planning ahead to avoid crisis-driven decisions 18:22 – Legal and documentation considerations 20:14 – When professional help may be needed 22:06 – Common mistakes families make 24:10 – Key takeaways for caregivers and planners

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions tackle a sensitive — but very common — retirement challenge: when one spouse is ready to retire and the other isn’t.

Jim and Casey discuss why this situation happens more often than people expect and how differences in identity, purpose, finances, and timing can create tension. They explore the emotional and practical considerations behind staggered retirements, how income planning changes when only one spouse stops working, and why communication and clarity are critical before making any big decisions.

If you or your spouse are approaching retirement and feeling unsure about taking that step together, this episode offers thoughtful guidance to help couples move forward with confidence and alignment.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: When retirement timing isn’t aligned 01:46 – Why this issue comes up so often with couples 03:12 – Emotional reasons one spouse may not want to retire 05:08 – Identity, purpose, and work beyond the paycheck 07:06 – Financial concerns behind staggered retirements 09:02 – How income planning changes when one spouse retires 11:14 – Social Security and benefit timing considerations 13:06 – Communication mistakes couples often make 15:02 – How to start the retirement conversation productively 17:04 – Planning options when spouses retire at different times 19:10 – Real-life client examples and lessons learned 21:12 – Final thoughts and closing

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions take on some of the most common — and dangerous — investment myths that can derail retirement plans.

Jim and Casey break down widely held beliefs about risk, market timing, diversification, income investing, and “playing it safe” in retirement. They explain why these myths persist, how they can quietly hurt long-term outcomes, and what a smarter, more disciplined investment approach looks like as you near or enter retirement.

If you’ve ever felt uncertain about how to invest once retirement is on the horizon, this episode provides clarity and perspective to help you make confident, informed decisions.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: Why retirement investment myths are so common 01:42 – Why misinformation spreads in investing 02:10 – Myth #1: “The Stock Market is too risky in retirement” 05:03 – Myth #2: “Bond are always safe” 06:03 – Myth #3: “You can just live off dividends and interest” 08:34 – Myth #4: “Can you time the Market?” 10:12 – Myth #5: “Past performance predicts future results” 12:20 – Myth #6: “Fees don't matter if performance is good” 13:48 – Myth #7: “You don't need professional help - You can do it yourself” 16:40 – How to protect yourself from investment myths 21:06 – What smart investing really looks like in retirement 23:10 – Key takeaways and final thoughts

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions break down one of the most confusing — yet essential — components of retirement planning: bonds.

Jim and Casey explain what bonds are, how they generate income, and why they behave differently from stocks. They dig into interest rates, bond ladders, risk vs. reward, and why bonds can either stabilize a retirement portfolio or hold it back depending on how they're used.

Whether you're already retired or planning ahead, this episode clarifies the role bonds should play in your long-term income plan — especially in today’s evolving interest-rate environment.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: Why bonds matter in retirement 01:36 – What exactly is a bond? 02:58 – How bonds generate income 04:26 – Why bonds behave differently from stocks 05:58 – Interest rates and how they affect bond values 07:46 – The role bonds play in stabilizing a retirement portfolio 09:30 – When bonds can actually hurt your retirement plan 11:12 – Understanding bond duration and risk 12:58 – The pros and cons of bond ladders 14:40 – How to know if you have the right amount of bonds 16:12 – Bonds vs. CDs vs. annuities — what’s the difference? 17:48 – Practical tips for building a bond strategy

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions break down some of the most common — and costly — mistakes people make leading up to and during retirement.

From emotional investing and improper risk management to underestimating taxes, Social Security timing, and overspending early in retirement, Jim and Casey explain why these issues show up so often… and what you can do to stay clear of them.

They share real-world client experiences, discuss the habits that lead to long-term success, and offer practical steps to help retirees and pre-retirees avoid unnecessary stress, poor decisions, and financial regret.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: Why retirement mistakes happen 03:05 – Mistake #1: Overspending early in retirement 06:14 – Mistake #2: Not having a written plan 08:10 – Mistake #3: Not investing your age 10:34 – Mistake #4: Working longer than you really needed to 13:29 – Mistake #5: Ignoring taxes until it's too late 14:23 – Mistake #6: Delaying big decisions 16:50 – Mistake #7: Not reaching out to our team 17:40 – Q&A with Casey 20:45 – Key takeaways & closing thoughts

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions talk through one of the biggest emotional challenges retirees face: staying calm during market volatility.

Jim and Casey unpack why markets feel so unpredictable, the psychological traps investors often fall into, and the practical steps you can take to keep your financial plan on track when headlines turn scary. They also share real client experiences, lessons learned from previous downturns, and the mindset shifts that help long-term investors stay confident rather than reactive.

Whether you're retired or nearing retirement, this episode provides clarity and reassurance for navigating uncertain times with a steady hand.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: Why markets feel more “nervous” lately 02:04 – What a “nervous market” really means 03:30 – Why volatility feels worse than it actually is 05:22 – Emotional traps investors fall into 07:10 – Recency bias, fear, and market overreactions 09:18 – What history tells us about volatile periods 11:26 – How long-term investors can stay grounded 13:14 – Building a plan that can weather any market 15:06 – Why staying invested matters more than timing 17:20 – Real client stories from past downturns 19:02 – Practical steps to stay calm and make smart decisions 21:18 – How to evaluate your portfolio during volatility 22:42 – Final thoughts and encouragement

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.

In this episode of the Smart Wealth & Retirement Podcast, financial advisors and retirement planners Jim Martin & Casey Bibb of Martin Wealth Solutions walk through a practical, easy-to-follow year-end financial checklist to help you finish the year strong and set up a successful year ahead.

Jim and Casey cover ten items every household should review before December 31st — They explain why each step matters, what most people overlook, and how small adjustments now can make a big impact on your long-term retirement plan.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or still building toward it, this is a simple and actionable guide to making sure your financial life is aligned and prepared for the coming year.

http://retirewithmartin.com/ ← Learn about working with us www.planwellretirehappy.com

00:00 – Introduction: Why year-end planning matters

01:34 – What to review before December 31

03:18 – Checklist Item #1: Review your tax situation

04:24 – Checklist Item #2: Take your RMDs

05:06 – Checklist Item #3: Maximize retirement contributions

05:56 – Checklist Item #4: Harvest gains & losses wisely

07:20 – Checklist Item #5: Give strategically

08:15 – Checklist Item #6: Review your portfolio & rebalance

09:05 – Checklist Item #7: Check beneficiaries & estate documents

10:10 – Checklist Item #8: Review your insurance coverage

10:45 – Checklist Item #9: Review long-term care insurance

11:05 – Checklist Item #10: Set next year's financial goals

13:10 – Q&A with Casey

15:25 – Final thoughts & takeaways

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Martin Wealth Solutions, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that any statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment. Any investor who attempts to mimic the performance of an index would incur fees and expenses which would reduce returns. Securities investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.